9781422274491

Carbon Dioxide

C O

2 is an atmospheric gas whose one molecule consists of one carbon atom and two oxygen atoms. It is produced by burning carbon com- pounds and by respiration. CO 2 is a GHG and contributes significantly to global warming. Once emitted, it can remain in the atmosphere for up to a hundred years.

Increase in CO 2 CO 2

Human Activities From the Industrial Revolution until 2018, the atmospheric concentrations of CO 2 have risen to nearly 40 percent. The use of fossil fuels such as coal, oil, petroleum, and gas in vehicles, power plants, and in- dustries releases large amounts of CO 2 . Deforestation prevents the accumulation of carbon in plants. Energy efficiency as well as reduction in the consumption of energy is required to avoid climate change.

in the atmosphere has increased by about 30 percent since the early 1800s. Hu- man activities such as the burning of fossil fuels and deforestation have contributed to the increase of CO 2 in the air. The combus- tion of organic matter in the presence of oxygen is directly responsible for produc- ing CO 2 .

CLIMATE CHANGE: Problems and Progress

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